Adjustable, protective and decorative hearth guard

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a protective, adjustable hearth guard for a raised hearth and methods of protectively covering the raised hearth. The hearth guard may comprise a first and a second end section, an adjustable center section, means to connect the sections and fastening means. Furthermore, the present invention provides a removable, adjustable and decorative fabric to cover the hearth guard.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copendingapplication U.S. Ser. No. 10/423,437, filed Apr. 25, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates in general to fireplace safety andhearth guards. Specifically, the present invention provides anadjustable protective guard for a raised hearth.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Fireplaces are common in households around the world. However,fireplaces with raised hearths can present serious hazards from tripsand falls. This is most typically a concern when young children arepresent. Also, fireplaces can create a decorating challenge, as changingthe appearance of the fireplace is not easily accomplished. Solutionsfor these problems have typically required a custom-fit approach becausethere is not one standard dimension used by the construction industryfor fireplace hearths. Raised hearths are generally 10-18 inches highand project forward 10-24 inches, but length can vary greatly.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,078 discloses a device to guard a corner of ahearth. The device utilizes a flexible material that may be bent intothe desired shape. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,903,686, 5,058,566, and 5,183,030protect only the hearth edges.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,366 teaches a device comprising foam and afabric cover, but the device does not cover the top surface of thehearth and must be custom fit to an individual fireplace. Additionally,the fabric coverings can not be easily modified. U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,135and U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,015 teach a padding that covers all exposedsurfaces, but it must be custom fit.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,318 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,891 teach rigidsupport frames. U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,583 also discloses a rigidstructural support that can provide some flexibility in hearth length.

[0009] The inventor has recognized a need in the art for a hearth guardthat can be easily adjusted while providing protection from accidentsinvolving a raised hearth and ornamentation for a raised hearth.Specifically, the prior art is lacking in a hearth guard thatencompasses adjustability, protection of all sides of the hearth, andinterchangeable fabric coverings. The present invention fulfills thislong-standing need and desire in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is directed to a hearth guard to cover araised hearth comprising a first end section, a second end section andan adjustable center section. Each of the sections is formed of acushioning material. The hearth guard also comprises a connecting meansto connect the sections and a fastening means.

[0011] The present invention also is directed to a method ofprotectively covering a raised hearth by assembling the hearth guarddescribed herein such that the hearth guard is assembled to securely fitover the exposed surfaces and the edges of the raised hearth therebyprotectively covering the raised hearth.

[0012] Other and further aspects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will be apparent from the following description of thepresently preferred embodiments of the invention given for the purposeof disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] So that the matter in which the above-recited features,advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others which willbecome clear, are attained and can be understood in detail, moreparticular descriptions of the invention briefly summarized above may behad by reference to certain embodiments thereof which are illustrated inthe appended drawings. These drawings form a part of the specification.It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustratepreferred embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to beconsidered limiting in their scope.

[0014]FIG. 1 depicts a two-dimensional view of the top, front and sidepanels of the end sections and means of connecting the end sections.

[0015]FIG. 2A depicts a center section insert with the top and frontpanels molded as a single piece to conform to the center of the hearth.Perforations to adjust the length of the center section are alsodepicted.

[0016]FIG. 2B depicts a side view of a center section insert with thetop and front panels molded as a folded single piece which opens toconform to the center of the hearth.

[0017]FIG. 2C is a three dimensional view of the hearth guard depictingthe insertion of either of the center sections depicted in FIGS. 2A or2B.

[0018]FIG. 2D depicts a graphical representation for adjusting thecenter insert to fit the hearth.

[0019]FIG. 2E depicts the assembled and installed hearth guard without adecorative cover.

[0020]FIG. 3A depicts the attachment of the front decorative cover toone end panel.

[0021]FIG. 3B depicts the attachment of the top decorative cover.

[0022]FIG. 3C depicts the assembled and installed hearth guard with thedecorative covers in place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided ahearth guard to cover a raised hearth comprising a first end section, asecond end section, an adjustable center section, where each of thesections comprises a cushioning material, a connecting means to connectthe sections, and fastening means.

[0024] In one aspect of this embodiment of the hearth guard the firstend section and the second end section independently comprise a toppanel, a front panel and, optionally, a side panel. Each of the panelsmay be molded from the cushioning material. A representative example ofcushioning material is foam. In this aspect each of the panels iscovered, for example, with a cloth cover. The fastening means may fastenthe top covered panel to the front covered panel in each of the endsections. Optionally, the fastening means may further fasten the coveredside panel to both the top and front covered panels in the end sections.The fastened covered panels form a structure to encase an end of theraised hearth. In an alternative aspect the first end section and thesecond end section each comprises a single piece molded from thecushioning material such that the single molded piece forms a structureto encase an end of the raised hearth.

[0025] Further to this aspect of this embodiment the adjustable centersection comprises a single piece molded from the cushioning materialsuch that the single molded piece may form a structure having a 90degree angle to encase a center section of the raised hearth. In arelated aspect the adjustable center section comprises a single piecehaving a top panel and a front panel whereby both panels are molded fromthe cushioning material to fold across an angle juncture formed by thepanels, wherein the folded single molded piece unfolds to a structurehaving a 90 degree angle to encase a center section of the raisedhearth. Alternatively, the adjustable center section comprises a toppanel and a front panel. Each of the panels may be molded from thecushioning material. The top and front panels are positioned at a 90degree angle relative to each other to encase a center section of theraised hearth.

[0026] In either of these aspects the center section is adjustable inlength. The center section may be perforated at parallel intervals alongits width. The perforated segments are easily removed thereby adjustingthe length. The adjustable center section also may be cut along a lineparallel to its length thereby adjusting length.

[0027] In another aspect of this embodiment the hearth guard furthercomprises a first removable decorative fabric cover and a secondremovable decorative fabric cover. Each of these adjustable decorativefabric covers has a length at least sufficient to cover the end sectionsand the center section of the hearth guard. The fastening means may beused to fasten the first and the second fabric covers to the backsurface of the end sections of the hearth guard. Additionally, thefastening means may be used to fasten the first fabric cover to thesecond fabric cover along the length of the hearth guard.

[0028] In all aspects of this embodiment the hearth guard may be coveredwith a fire-resistant coating to increase the safety of the hearthguard. The cushioning material used in all aspects may be foam. Also,the connecting means may be a telescoping slider mechanism, Velcro, astrap, or a tie-string. Additionally, the connecting means may furthercomprise a bracket attached thereto to further secure the centersection. The fastening means used in all aspects may be by sewing,Velcro, zippers, snaps, tie strings or buttons. Optionally, thefastening means may be used to anchor the end sections to the raisedhearth.

[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention there is provideda method of protectively covering a raised hearth comprising the step ofassembling the hearth guard described herein whereby the hearth guard isassembled to securely fit over the exposed surfaces and the edges of theraised hearth thereby protectively covering the raised hearth. In allaspects of this embodiment the hearth guard, the materials comprisingthe hearth guard, the connecting means and the fastening means are asdescribed supra.

[0030] In an aspect of this embodiment the assembling of the hearthguard comprises the steps of placing a first end section of the hearthguard onto a first end of the raised hearth and placing a second endsection of the hearth guard onto a second end of the raised hearth. Boththe first and second end sections are in a covering relationship to theraised hearth. The first and second end sections are connected via theconnecting means which holds the first and second end sections securelyagainst the raised hearth. The center section of the hearth guard isplaced between the first and the second end sections. The center sectionis adjusted in length to fit securely between the first and the secondend sections thereby being in a covering relationship to the raisedhearth. The connecting means connects the center section to the firstend section and to the second end.

[0031] Further to this aspect positioning the center section of thehearth guard may comprise the step of placing a single molded piecehaving a permanent 90 degree bend over a center section of the raisedhearth. In a related aspect positioning the center section of the hearthguard may comprise the steps of unfolding a top panel from a front panelor vice versa, both panels comprising a single molded piece of thecenter section, to form a single molded piece having a 90 degree bend ata juncture of the panels and placing the unfolded single molded pieceover a center section of the raised hearth. In an alternative aspectpositioning the center section of the hearth guard may comprise thesteps of placing a top panel comprising the center section onto a topcenter surface of the raised hearth and placing a front panel comprisingthe center section onto a front center surface of the raised hearth,whereby a top edge of the front panel is in contact with and juxtaposedat a 90 degree angle to a front edge of the top panel.

[0032] Further to this aspect in considering the covering step, thehearth guard may be covered with a removable decorative fabric. A firstend of a first length of fabric may be fastened to a front panel or, ifa first end of the raised hearth comprises a corner, to a surface of aside panel comprising the first end section via the fastening means. Thefirst length of fabric is extended across the front surface of thehearth guard and, if the second end of the raised hearth comprises acorner, a side panel of the second end section. The fastening means maybe used to fasten the second end of the first length of fabric either toa surface of the front panel or to a surface of the second side panel.The second fabric end is fastened at a position to securely andcompletely cover the front surface and, if comprising the second endsection, the side panel thereof.

[0033] A first end of a second length of fabric also may be fastened toa surface of the top panel comprising said first end section or to thesurface of the side panel, if the side panel comprises the first sidepanel via the fastening means. The second length of fabric is extendedacross the top surface of the hearth guard and if comprising said secondend section, the side panel thereof. The fastening means may be used tofasten the second end of the second length of fabric to either a surfaceof the top panel or to a surface of the side panel comprising the secondend section. As with the first length of fabric, the second fabric endis fastened at a position to securely and completely cover the topsurface and, if comprising the second end section, the side panelthereof.

[0034] The fastening means further may be used to fasten the top edge ofthe first fabric length to a front edge of the second fabric length.Optionally, the fastening means may be used to fasten the bottom edge ofthe first fabric length to the front surface of the hearth guard. Again,optionally, the fastening means also may fasten the back edge of thesecond fabric length to the top surface of the hearth guard.

[0035] Provided herein is an adjustable, protective, and ornamentalguard for a raised hearth. The hearth guard comprises separate sectionsand is adjustable. Therefore, the hearth guard can be installed on anysized raised hearth without customization. The hearth guard also offersa padded surface on the top, sides and front of the hearth therebyminimizing the risk of and providing excellent protection against injuryfrom falls.

[0036] Furthermore, the hearth guard may be easily removed and does notrequire any modification to the fireplace hearth. Thus, the componentsand coverings comprising the hearth guard can be easily cleaned.Additionally, a fire-resistant coating may be applied to any of thecomponents or covers comprising the hearth guard. The ability to removeand to replace fabric coverings quickly provides broad decoratingflexibility. The fabric coverings can be fastened to the hearth guard ina manner to accommodate any hearth length.

[0037] A raised hearth may have two end sections and a center section.The two end sections may independently comprise a coverable corner endhaving a raised top surface, a front and a side surface or comprise acoverable end with only a raised top surface and a front surface. Thecoverable center section of the raised hearth comprises the remainingsection of the hearth between the end sections and has a raised topsurface and a front surface.

[0038] Thus, the hearth guard comprises three sections, two end sectionsand a center section each conformed to or conformable to the comparablesection of the raised hearth. Furthermore, each of the end sections ofthe hearth guard may comprise a top, a front and, optionally, a sidepanel made of a cushioning material such as foam. A cushioning materialother than foam also may be utilized such as quilt batting. The top,front and side panels are encased in a covering material, e.g., fabricor skinned foam, and fastened in such a way as to protectively cover onecorner or one end, the edges, and flat surfaces of one end of thehearth. The panel coverings may be fastened together by such means assewing, Velcro, zippers, or other fastening means. The second endsection comprising identically covered panels is placed on the oppositeend of the hearth.

[0039] Alternatively, a single piece of foam or other cushioningmaterial may be molded to form an end section. As previously describedthe molded end sections protectively cover one corner or one end, theedges, and flat surfaces of one end of the hearth when positioned.Optionally, the end sections in any form may be anchored to the hearthusing a fastening means such as snaps, screws, or other attachmentdevice.

[0040] The center section may comprise a single piece of cushioningmaterial permanently molded to form a 90 degree angle to conform to ahearth. Alternatively, the center section may comprise a single piece ofcushioning material such that a top panel and a front panel are foldedto form an angle juncture of 0 degrees between the two panels to form aflat structure. The panels are opened to conform to the 90 degree angleof the center of the hearth as with the permanently molded centersection. The cushioning material may be, although not limited to, a foammaterial. It is particularly contemplated that a foam material isconducive for folding a foldable center section. A foldable centersection provides an improvement over a permanently molded center sectionin ease of shipping, of storage and of manipulation prior toinstallation of the hearth guard.

[0041] Alternatively, the center section may comprise two separatepanels. As previously described, the two center panels may comprise acushioning material such as foam. A first top center panel is positionedon the top surface of the hearth between the top panels comprising thefirst and second end sections and secured thereto. A second front centerpanel is positioned along the front surface of the hearth between thefront panels comprising the first and second end sections and securedthereto. As with a foldable center section, a center section comprisingtwo separate panels also is more easily shipped and stored than apermanently molded center section. Although, manipulating of either ofthe single pieced center sections onto a hearth may be easier for someindividuals installing such a hearth guard, using two separate panelsalso provides an easily utilized alternative.

[0042] The center section, as either a single piece or two pieces, issized to an appropriate length and placed between the end sections. Forexample, the center section may be perforated at intervals along thewidth of the section. One or more segments may be removed until thecenter section is the desired length. When positioned between the endsections, the center section with the end sections provides a cushioningframework that extends across the entire horizontal and vertical lengthof the hearth to provide complete protection.

[0043] The two end sections and the center section are connected by aconnecting means such as a telescoping slider mechanism, Velcro, orother connecting device. The top panel and front panel of one endsection may comprise connectable components fastened thereto while thetop panel and front panel of the other end section may comprise theconnecting components fastened thereto. Engaging the components providesfor a secure fit of the hearth guard to the hearth. Additionally, abracket or similar securing means may be secured to the connecting meansto further secure the center section. It is contemplated that the endsections may comprise connecting means located at other points on thepanels comprising the end sections.

[0044] The assembled framework may be covered with a decorative fabriccover. The top surface and the front surface of the assembled frameworkare covered separately. One end of the fabric cover is fastened via thefastening means to the front panel or to the side panel, if the raisedhearth has a corner at this end, of one of the end sections. The secondend of the fabric is fastened to the opposite end section at theappropriate front or side panel if the raised hearth has a corner at thesecond end. The fabric cover may be fastened along the front surface orthe back surface of the front panel cover or side panel cover to coverthe entire length of the hearth including the side if the raised hearthhas one or two open sides. Thus, the decorative fabric cover isadjustable in length. Optionally, the bottom edge of the fabric covermay be fastened to the back surface of the front panel covers.

[0045] A second decorative fabric cover is fastened by one end to asurface of the top panel of the first end section and extends across thetop surface of the hearth guard. A second end of this fabric cover alsois fastened to a surface of the second top panel or to a surface of asecond side panel if the raised hearth has a corner at the second end.The fastening means may be those means previously described. Thisprovides an adjustable fabric cover length as described above. The frontand the top fabric covers meet at approximately the front edge of thehearth and are fastened together via the fastening means. Optionally,the back edge of the fabric cover may be fastened to the back surface ofthe top panel covers.

[0046] As described below, the invention provides a number of advantagesand uses, however such advantages and uses are not limited by suchdescription. Embodiments of the present invention are better illustratedwith reference to the Figures, however, such reference is not meant tolimit the present invention in any fashion. The embodiments andvariations described in detail herein are to be interpreted by theappended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0047]FIG. 1 depicts a two-dimensional view of two end sections withattachment means of the hearth guard. A first end section 10 and asecond end section 20 each comprise three rectangular panels encased ina covering material (not shown), such as fabric or foam skin. Each of atop panel 11,21, a front panel 12,22 and a side panel 13,23 is connectedvia a fastening means (not shown) to the other two panels along twoedges of each panel. The panels comprise a cushioning material, e.g., afoam material such as, but not limited to, a polyurethane foam.

[0048] The coverings on the panels 11,12,13,21,22,23 may be sewntogether or attached by Velcro, zippers, or other fastening means. Thetop panel 11 of the first end section 10 has a length L1 and the toppanel 21 of the second end section 20 has a length L2 such that the sumof L1 and L2 is less than the length L of the hearth. When the fasteningmeans has fastened the panels in an end section, the front surface ofeach panel is at 90 degrees with respect to the front surfaces of theother two panels. Each of the assembled three-panel end sections 10,20fits over and around one corner of the hearth (not shown) to cover it.

[0049] Although the raised hearth depicted in FIG. 1 comprises twocorner sections 10,20, an end section of a hearth guard for a raisedhearth having one or two end sections without corners can be assembledas described without the step of fastening the side panels 13,23. Thetwo-panel end section(s) simply fits over and covers the top and frontsurfaces of the raised hearth.

[0050] The top panels 11,21 and front panels 12,22 of each end section10,20 further comprise a connecting means 30 a,b,c to pull or to draweach end section 10,20 directionally toward the other along planesparallel to the top and front surfaces of the hearth. Such a connectingmeans 30 a,b,c allows both the top 11,21 and front panels 12,22 of bothend sections 10,20 to be pulled tightly together thereby keeping the endsections 10,20 securely fitted to the corners of the hearth (not shown).The top panels 11,21 may require more than one of such connecting means30 a,b to insure that the top panels 11,21 are held together uniformlyacross the surfaces.

[0051] The top panel 11 and the front panel 12 of a first end section 10each may comprise one or more connectable components (not shown) suchas, although not limited to, a telescoping slider, a long piece ofVelcro, a strap, tie-string, or other such connectable device, whichattaches to a front or back surface of the top 11 and front 12 panels.The top panel 21 and the front panel 22 of the second end section 20comprise one or more connection components (not shown) to which theconnectable components connect, such as, although not limited to, areceiver for the slider, a Velcro strip, or a buckle on the surface ofthe top panel or other connecting component. The connectable componentsand the corresponding connection components comprise the connectingmeans 30 a,b,c. When the components of the connecting means 30 a,b,c areengaged the first and second end sections 10,20 may be pulled tightlytogether.

[0052]FIG. 2A depicts a center section 40 of the hearth guard. Thecenter section 40 comprises a single piece 41 molded to have a permanent90 degree bend across an adjustable length L3 of the single piece 41.

[0053]FIG. 2B depicts an alternative center section 46 of the hearthguard. The center section 46 comprises a single piece 47 having a toppanel 48 a and a front panel 48 b molded to fold to a 0 degree bendacross an adjustable length L3 when not in use, as depicted in FIG. 2A(not shown in FIG. 2B) of the single piece 47. The panels 48 a,b canunfold through an arc A to form the single piece 47 with a 90 degreebend at L3 (not shown).

[0054] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, FIG. 2C depictsthe placement of the center section 40. Although not depicted, placementof the center section 46, after unfolding single piece 46, may be placedidentically as depicted with center section 40. When the length L3 isproperly adjusted the molded single panel 41 fits securely between thefirst 10 and second 20 end sections over the top and front surfaces ofthe hearth (not shown). The length L3 of the center section 40 or, whenused, center section 46 is selected so that the sum of lengths L1, L2and L3 equal the length L of the hearth thereby completely covering thetop, front and side surfaces of the hearth. The center section 40 and ofalternative center section 46 may be a cushioning material such as foam.

[0055] As depicted in FIG. 2D and with continued reference to FIGS. 2Aand 2C, the center section 40 may be perforated at intervals such as at,but not limited to, 42 a,42 b along the width of the single molded panel41 such that segment(s) 43 of the panel 41 may be easily removed to forma center section 40 with top and front panels 44 a,b of an appropriatelength L3. The unused segment(s) 43 are easily discarded. The moldedsingle panel 41 comprising 44 a,b is secured into place by theconnecting means 30 a,b,c connecting the first 10 and second 20 endsections to hold them securely in place. Thus, when the center section40 comprising 44 a,b of molded panel 41 is positioned on the raisedhearth, the tightening action of the straps or other connecting means 30a,b,c drawing the top 11,21 and front 21,22 panels of the two endsections 10,20 toward each other also serves to hold the center section40 comprising 44 a,b of molded panel 41 securely between the endsections 10,20. Again, the center section 46 described in FIG. 2B may beperforated and adjustable in length as described for center section 40.

[0056]FIG. 2E, with continued reference to FIG. 2D, depicts theassembled hearth guard 50 with end sections 10,20 and center section 44a,b installed on a raised hearth 105 of a fireplace 100 to cover allsurfaces, corners and edges of the raised hearth. The hearth guard 50 isshown installed without a decorative cover. Again, it is contemplatedthat the center section 46, described in FIG. 2B, may be adjusted inlength, as described for center section 40, and positioned, as describedwith center section 44 a,b depicted in FIG. 2D, to form an assembledhearth guard 50 with end sections 10,20.

[0057]FIG. 3A depicts a decorative fabric cover 60 fastened to the frontsurface 70 of the assembled hearth guard. A first end 61 of a fabriccover 60 is fastened to the back surface of the side panel 13 covering(not shown) comprising the first end section 10 by a fastening means(not shown). The fastening means may be velcro, buttons, a tie-string orother fastening means. The fabric cover 60 extends along the frontsurface 70 comprising front panels 12,44 b,22 of the hearth guard to theside panel 23 comprising the second end section 20 thereby covering thefront surface 70. A second end 62 of the fabric cover 60 is fastened tothe front surface or to the back surface of the second side panel 23covering (not shown) via the fastening means 80. In this manner, thefabric cover 60 may be attached as necessary to fit the length of thehearth. Optionally, the fabric cover 60 may be wrapped around the bottomedges of the front panels 12,44 b,22 comprising the front surface 70 andfastened to the back surfaces of the front panels 12,44 b,22 covers viathe fastening means (not shown) to reduce fabric slippage. Again,although not depicted in FIG. 3A, if one or both of the end sections donot require a side panel the fabric cover may be fastened to the frontor back surface of the appropriate front panel. Furthermore, althoughnot depicted, the decorative fabric cover also may cover the foldablefront panel 48b of center section 46 when used in the assembled hearthguard 50.

[0058]FIG. 3B depicts how a decorative fabric cover 60 is fastened tothe top surface 90 of the assembled hearth guard. A first end 61 of afabric cover 60 is fastened to the back surface of the side panel 13covering 14 comprising the first end section 10 by a fastening means 80as disclosed for the front panels 12,44 b,22. The fabric cover 60extends along the top surface comprising panels 11,44 a,21 of the hearthguard to the side panel (not shown) comprising the second end section(not shown). The fabric cover 60 wraps under the second side panel andfastens to the covering on the back surface of the second top panel orto the covering on the back surface of the second side panel via thefastening means (not shown). Furthermore, although not depicted, thedecorative fabric cover also may cover the foldable top panel 48 a ofcenter section 46 when used in the assembled hearth guard 50.

[0059] The fastening position may be determined by the length L of thehearth in comparison to the length of the fabric cover 60. Optionally,as similarly described, the fabric cover 60 may be wrapped around theback edges of the top panels and fastened to the back surfaces of thetop panel coverings via the fastening means to reduce fabric slippage(not shown). As with FIG. 3A and not depicted in FIG. 3B, if one or bothof the end sections do not require a side panel the fabric cover 60 maybe fastened to the front or back surface coverings of the appropriatetop panel.

[0060]FIG. 3C depicts the assembled hearth guard installed on a raisedhearth 105 of a fireplace 100. The hearth guard is shown installed witha decorative fabric cover 60 in place to cover all surfaces, corners andedges of the hearth guard. The front edge of the top fabric cover andthe top edge of the front fabric cover meet at approximately the frontedge of the hearth. The front and top edges are fastened together by afastening means 80 such as Velcro, buttons, snaps, or other fasteningmeans as previously described.

[0061] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the endsand advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The presentexamples along with the methods, procedures, treatments, molecules, andspecific compounds described herein are presently representative ofpreferred embodiments, are exemplary, and are not intended aslimitations on the scope of the invention. Changes therein and otheruses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed withinthe spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hearth guard to cover a raised hearthcomprising: a first end section; a second end section; an adjustablecenter section, each of said sections comprising a cushioning material;a connecting means to connect said sections; and fastening means.
 2. Thehearth guard of claim 1, wherein said first end section and said secondend section independently comprise: a top panel; a front panel; andoptionally, a side panel, each of said panels molded from the cushioningmaterial; and a covering means for each of said panels; wherein saidfastening means fastens said covered top panel to said covered frontpanel, optionally said fastening means further fastening said coveredside panel to both said covered top and front panels, such that saidfastened covered panels form a structure to encase an end of the raisedhearth.
 3. The hearth guard of claim 2, wherein said covering means is acloth.
 4. The hearth guard of claim 1, wherein said first end sectionand said second end section each comprises a single piece molded fromthe cushioning material, said single molded piece forming a structure toencase an end of the raised hearth.
 5. The hearth guard of claim 1,wherein said adjustable center section comprises a single piece moldedfrom the cushioning material, said single molded piece forming astructure having a 90 degree angle to encase a center section of theraised hearth.
 6. The hearth guard of claim 1, wherein said adjustablecenter section comprises a single piece having a top panel and a frontpanel, said top panel and said front panel molded from the cushioningmaterial to fold across an angle juncture formed by said panels, whereinsaid folded single molded piece unfolds to a structure having a 90degree angle to encase a center section of the raised hearth.
 7. Thehearth guard of claim 1, wherein said adjustable center sectioncomprises: a top panel; and a front panel, each of said panels moldedfrom the cushioning material, wherein said top and front panels arepositioned at a 90 degree angle relative to each other to encase acenter section of the raised hearth.
 8. The hearth guard of claim 1,wherein said adjustable center section is adjustable in length.
 9. Thehearth guard of claim 1, wherein said adjustable center section isperforated at parallel intervals along the width thereof, saidperforated segments removed thereby adjusting length.
 10. The hearthguard of claim 1, wherein said adjustable center section is cut along aline parallel to the length thereof thereby adjusting length.
 11. Thehearth guard of claim 1, further comprising: a first removabledecorative fabric cover; and a second removable decorative fabric cover,each of said adjustable decorative fabric covers having a length atleast sufficient to cover said end sections and said center section ofthe hearth guard, wherein said fastening means fastens said first andsaid second fabric covers to a surface of said end sections of thehearth guard; and wherein said fastening means fastens said first fabriccover to said second fabric cover along the length of the hearth guard.12. The hearth guard of claim 1, further comprising a fire-resistantcoating applied thereon.
 13. The hearth guard of claim 1, wherein thecushioning material is foam.
 14. The hearth guard of claim 1, whereinsaid connecting means comprises a telescoping slider mechanism, Velcro,a strap, or a tie-string.
 15. The hearth guard of claim 14, wherein saidconnecting means further comprises a bracket secured thereto.
 16. Thehearth guard of claim 1, wherein said fastening means anchors said firstand said second end sections to the raised hearth.
 17. The hearth guardof claim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises sewing, Velcro,zippers, snaps, tie strings or buttons.
 18. A method of protectivelycovering a raised hearth comprising the step of: assembling the hearthguard of claim 1, wherein said hearth guard is assembled to securely fitover exposed surfaces and edges of the raised hearth therebyprotectively covering the raised hearth.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein said assembling step comprises the steps of: positioning a firstend section of said hearth guard on a first end of the raised hearth,said first end section in a covering relationship to the raised hearth;positioning a second end section of said hearth guard on a second end ofthe raised hearth, said second end section in a covering relationship tothe raised hearth; connecting said first and second end sections viasaid connecting means, said connecting means holding said first andsecond end sections securely against the raised hearth; positioning acenter section of said hearth guard between said first and said secondend sections, wherein said center section is adjusted in length to fitsecurely between said first and said second end sections, said centersection thereby in a covering relationship to the raised hearth; andconnecting said center section to said first end section and to saidsecond end section via said connecting means.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein positioning the center section of said hearth guardcomprises the step of: placing a single molded piece having a permanent90 degree bend over a center section of the raised hearth.
 21. Themethod of claim 19, wherein positioning the center section of saidhearth guard comprises the steps of: unfolding a top panel from a frontpanel or vice versa, both panels comprising a single molded piece of thecenter section, to form a single molded piece having a 90 degree bend ata juncture of said panels; and placing said unfolded single molded pieceover a center section of the raised hearth.
 22. The method of claim 19,wherein positioning the center section of said hearth guard comprisesthe steps of: placing a top panel comprising said center section onto atop center surface of said raised hearth; and placing a front panelcomprising said center section onto a front center surface of saidraised hearth, wherein a top edge of said front panel is in contact withand juxtaposed at a 90 degree angle to a front edge of said top panel.23. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of: coveringsaid hearth guard with a removable decorative fabric.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein said covering step comprises the steps of: fastening afirst end of a first length of fabric to a surface of a front panel or,if a first end of the raised hearth comprises a corner, to a surface ofa side panel comprising said first end section via said fastening means;extending the first length of fabric across the front surface of saidhearth guard and, if said second end of the raised hearth comprises acorner, a side panel of said second end section; fastening a second endof the first length of fabric to either a surface of a front panel or toa surface of the side panel comprising said second end section via saidfastening means, said second fabric end fastened at a position tosecurely and completely cover the front surface and, if comprising saidsecond end section, the side panel thereof; fastening a first end of asecond length of fabric to a surface of a top panel comprising saidfirst end section or to the surface of the side panel, if the side panelcomprises said first end section, via said fastening means; extendingthe second length of fabric across the top surface of said hearth guardand, if comprising said second end section, the side panel thereof;fastening a second end of the second length of fabric to either asurface of a top panel or to a surface of the side panel comprising saidsecond end section via said fastening means, said second fabric endfastened at a position to securely and completely cover the top surfaceand, if comprising said second end section, the side panel thereof; andfastening a top edge of said first fabric length to a front edge of saidsecond fabric length via said fastening means.
 25. The method of claim24, further comprising the steps of: fastening a bottom edge of saidfirst fabric length to the front surface of said hearth guard; andfastening a back edge of said second fabric length to the top surface ofsaid hearth guard.